Understanding Standard Pallet Size Dimensions
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In the logistics and supply chain industry, the standard pallet size dimensions play a crucial role in ensuring efficient storage, transport, and handling of goods. Pallets are the backbone of material handling systems, allowing for easy movement of products across warehouses and shipping platforms. This article delves into the various standard pallet sizes, their specifications, and their significance in different sectors.
ISO Standard Pallet Size
ISO standard pallet size is the standard for plastic pallet size formulated by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) to make global logistics and transportation more efficient and unified. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that pallets in different countries and regions are compatible with each other, facilitating the storage, loading and unloading, and transportation of goods in the global supply chain. By using ISO standard pallet sizes, companies can better manage the supply chain, reduce costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
The following is ISO plastic pallet size chart
|
Dimensions in mm (W x L) |
Dimensions in inches (W x L) |
Regions most used in |
|
1016 x 1219 |
40 x 48 |
North America |
|
1000 x 1200 |
39.37 x 47.24 |
Europe, Asia |
|
1165 x 1165 |
45.9 x 45.9 |
Australia |
|
1067 x 1067 |
42 x 42 |
North America, Europe, Asia |
|
1100 x 1100 |
43.3 x 43.3 |
Asia |
|
800 x 1200 |
31.5 x 47.24 |
Europe |
Common Standard Pallet Sizes in Different Regions
North America - 40" x 48" (1016 mm x 1219 mm): This is the most widely used size in North America and one of the six designated ISO pallet sizes. It is also the pallet size recognized by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and is used most in the grocery and retail industries. This size is the best at maximizing truck and warehouse storage space.
Europe - 39.37" x 47.24" (1000 mm x 1200 mm)/31.5 " x 47.24"(800mm x 1200mm) :These two sizes are common in Europe, known as Euro pallets, and are widely used for international transport and comply with ISO standards.
Asia - 43.3" x 43.3" (1100 mm x 1100 mm)/39.37″ × 47.24″(1000mm x 1200mm): These two sizes are the most commonly used pallet sizes in Asia and are very useful for space-saving storage and transportation of smaller goods. Both pallet sizes are included in the list of approved ISO pallet sizes. Of these, the 1000mm x 1200mm (39.37″ × 47.24″) pallet is more suitable for exporting from Asia to Europe and the United States, as its size fits well with the European and American systems.
Australia - 45.9" x 45.9" (1165mm x 1165mm): This size is the Australian standard pallet size and is on the approved ISO pallet list. It is designed and manufactured for Australian warehouses and is suitable for domestic logistics transportation in Australia.
The Most Popular Pallet Sizes for Different Applications
Different industries tend to prefer specific pallet sizes based on their unique requirements:
Retail and grocery
48" x 40" pallet sizes are common, allowing for efficient shelf stocking and product display.
01
Automotive
While custom pallets may be used, standard sizes such as 48" x 40" are often modified to accommodate larger parts.
02
Pharmaceutical
Pallet sizes are carefully selected to meet regulatory requirements to ensure product integrity and safety.
03
Sugar mills, flour mills, and salt mills
In sugar mills, flour mills, and salt mills, the 1400mm×1200mm pallet size is the most commonly used. In terms of cargo characteristics, products such as sugar, flour, and salt are usually in bulk or in large packages. The 1400mm×1200mm pallet has a large area and can carry enough products, effectively reducing the number of handling times and improving work efficiency.
04
Benefits of Standard Pallet Sizes
Compatibility
Standard pallet dimensions ensure compatibility with various handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and racking systems. This interoperability minimizes handling time and reduces the risk of damage during transportation.
Optimized Space Utilization
Using standard sizes allows for efficient stacking and storage, maximizing warehouse space and improving inventory management.
Cost-Effectiveness
Standard pallets can be produced in bulk, reducing manufacturing costs. Their widespread use also means lower transportation costs due to optimized load capacities.
Choosing the Right Pallet Size
When choosing a pallet size, consider the following factors:
Product Size
Make sure the pallet can handle the weight of the product. For example, when carrying heavy mechanical parts, a sturdy, heavy-duty pallet is needed to support it, such as a 1200mm×1000mm pallet. At the same time, the pallet size needs to match the product size to maximize space utilization and ensure stability. Click to see how many boxes are on a pallet?
Storage Space
Confirm that the pallet size is compatible with the existing racking system and that the forklift can move freely in the aisles when moving the pallet. For example, if the warehouse uses standard industrial racking with a shelf cell size of 1200mm (length) × 1000mm (width) × 1500mm (height), then a 1200mm×1000mm plastic pallet may be a more suitable choice. For warehouses with narrower spaces, smaller pallets may be required to enable forklifts to move flexibly in warehouse aisles and storage spaces. In addition, the maximum stacking height of the storage space needs to be considered to ensure the safety of the goods. Click to see how to stack plastic pallets?
Transportation Requirements
The selection of pallet size needs to consider the mode of transportation of goods. For example, when transporting by truck, you should choose a pallet that matches the standard truck compartment size. In the logistics process, forklifts, pallet trucks and other equipment will be used. The pallet size must match the fork arm size and operating range of these equipment. For example, if the fork arm spacing of the forklift is fixed at 600mm, the bottom structure design of the selected pallet must allow the forklift to be inserted smoothly, and it must remain stable during lifting and handling. Click to see how many pallets fit in a 26ft box truck?
Industry standards and local regulations
Some regions or industries may have specific requirements for pallet size, or require the use of pallets that meet certain industry standards, so you need to confirm the relevant regulations before purchasing. For example, in the supermarket supply chain, a pallet size of 48 inches × 40 inches (about 1219mm × 1016mm) is more common because this size is convenient for turnover between supermarket warehouses and shelves, and is also in line with the operating habits of food wholesalers and retailers.
Customized pallets of other sizes
This article introduces the standard plastic pallet sizes, but there are many other sizes of plastic pallet products on our website, such as 1600mm x 1400mm (Euro Type Standard Size Plastic Pallet), 1000mm x 500mm (Small Size Pallet), 1100mmx800mm (Warehouse Plastic Pallets), 1400mm x 1200mm (Double Side Pallet), etc. We can also customize non-standard size pallets for special purposes.
Conclusion
Understanding standard pallet sizes is essential for optimizing logistics and supply chain operations. Above, we introduced ISO international universal plastic pallet sizes, as well as pallet size standards commonly used in different countries and industries. The purpose is to enable companies to understand the requirements of different countries for pallet sizes when purchasing pallets for export transportation, so as to facilitate export transportation and improve cargo transportation efficiency.
As an original manufacturer of plastic pallets, ENLIGHTENING PALLET has been committed to the research and development and production of plastic pallets since 2000. If you have more questions about plastic pallets, please feel free to contact our professional team and let us help you find the plastic pallet that best suits your needs.
